Jelly Beanz

13/06/2026

What is a child really telling us through play?

This play scene was created by a young child during therapy. A safe space sits at one end of the path, while at the other end a collection of animals, insects, and creatures gather. Between them lies a trail of food, connecting the two worlds.

Children often communicate their experiences, worries, and understanding of the world through play rather than words. In this child’s play, themes of safe versus unsafe, attraction versus danger, and the sometimes blurred line between the two emerged repeatedly.

For many children, the world is not simply divided into “good” and “bad.” Sometimes things that seem appealing, exciting, familiar, or comforting can also feel confusing, risky, or unsafe. Play provides a safe way for children to explore these complex feelings and experiences.

As therapists, we do not assume the meaning of a child’s play. Instead, we become curious, observe patterns, and create space for children to tell their stories in the language they know best.

Children may not always have the words to explain what they are experiencing, but they often show us through play.

**euticPlay TraumaInformedPractice ChildrenCommunicateThroughPlay

12/06/2026

300+ child sexual abuse offenders identified across 21 countries.

In a major international operation, law enforcement agencies worked together to identify individuals involved in the live-stream sexual abuse of children. The victims were, on average, just 9 years old.

This is a reminder that child exploitation is happening online every day, often hidden behind screens and across borders.

While this operation led to the identification of hundreds of offenders, it also highlights the ongoing need for awareness, prevention, and action.

Thank you to the investigators, analysts, and child protection professionals who continue to fight for the safety of children worldwide.

Every child deserves to be safe—online and offline.

300+ Buyers of Live-Stream Child Sexual Abuse Identified in Global Operation

In a coordinated global effort led by our partners at Child Rescue Coalition and Homeland Security Investigations, 80 law enforcement officers from 19 countries came together to identify and investigate offenders involved in the live-stream sexual abuse of children.

During this week-long effort, 303 high-harm offenders from 21 countries were identified, making this the largest and most successful operation of its kind.

"Working with such dedicated professionals whose mission is to safeguard children and arrest high harm offenders is such an honor. Each one of the offenders caused the r**e of a child, with the average age being 9, and the work of these officers will hold the offenders accountable for their victimization and stop many future acts of abuse.”

- Michael McGonigle, CRC Director of Special Projects

We are grateful for the investigators, analysts, and partners around the world working tirelessly to protect vulnerable children and pursue those responsible for these horrific crimes.

07/06/2026

Catch Edith Kriel and the one-and-only Toffee Beanz on the popular morning show, Expresso! ☕🐾

Join Edith as she shares the heart behind creating safe, nurturing spaces for children and families, alongside her special furry companion, Toffee Beanz. From child wellbeing to the incredible impact of animal-assisted support, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

📺 Watch Expresso
🗓️ Monday, 8 June
⏰ Between 06:00 and 09:00

Tune in for an inspiring start to your day and see how Toffee Beanz is helping make a difference in the lives of children across South Africa.

06/06/2026

FREE ONLINE TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONALS, CAREGIVERS & EDUCATORS

Are you working with children and families? Expand your knowledge with these FREE online training opportunities from Jelly Beanz, designed specifically for the South African context. These self-paced courses provide practical, evidence-informed guidance to help you better support children and young people. (Jelly Beanz)

Trauma-Informed Care for Children Who Have Experienced Abuse
Learn how trauma affects children and gain practical strategies to create safer, more supportive environments for healing and recovery.

👉 https://jellybeanz2.podia.com/trauma-informed-care-for-children-who-have-experienced-abuse-a-practical-guide-for-helping-professionals-in-south-africa

Children and Sexuality: Foundations, New Insights and Recent Developments
Build your understanding of healthy childhood sexual development and how to respond appropriately to questions, concerns, and behaviours.

👉 https://jellybeanz2.podia.com/children-sexuality-the-foundations-new-insights-and-recent-developments

South African Children and Po*******hy
A practical guide for professionals and caregivers supporting children who have been exposed to po*******hy. Explore the impact of exposure and evidence-based ways to respond and support children effectively.

👉 https://jellybeanz2.podia.com/south-african-children-and-po*******hy-a-guide-for-professionals-and-caregivers-interacting-with-children-who-are-exposed-to-po*******hy-feb-jun-2026

💡 Invest in your professional development and strengthen your ability to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.

05/06/2026

Child Protection Week Workshop with Matla A Bana. We were honoured to be part if this.

03/06/2026

Pathways to Compliance | 3rd ECD Indaba

Jelly Beanz was honoured to be part of the 3rd ECD Indaba: Pathways to Compliance, hosted by the City of Cape Town.

Our Executive Director, Edith Kriel, had the opportunity to share insights on the importance of creating safe, nurturing, and protective environments for children, while highlighting the critical role of supporting caregivers and strengthening child wellbeing within ECD spaces.

Meaningful partnerships between government, ECD centres, NGOs, communities, and caregivers are essential if we are to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe environment.

Thank you to the City of Cape Town and all stakeholders for creating a platform where collaboration, compliance, child protection, and quality early childhood development can be advanced together.

✨ When we walk the path together, we create safer spaces and brighter futures for children.

SafeSpaces PartnershipsForChildren ChildrenFirst ProtectingChildhood BuildingBrighterFutures

01/06/2026

👣 Protect their journey.

These small feet will walk through a lifetime of experiences, opportunities, and dreams.

It is our responsibility to ensure that their path is safe.

This Child Protection Week, let’s stand together to protect, support, and empower every child.

Because every child deserves a safe path forward. ❤️

29/05/2026

🩵 Child Protection Week 🩵

When we asked Grade 1 learners who helps them feel safe, their answers were clear. Through their drawings, they showed us the people they trust most — their moms, dads, brothers, sisters, cousins, and family members.

For children, protection is not only about keeping them safe from harm. It is about feeling loved, listened to, supported, and knowing there is someone they can turn to when they need help.

These beautiful drawings remind us that every child deserves caring adults who create safe spaces where they can grow, learn, and thrive.

This Child Protection Week, let’s commit to being the trusted adults children need — adults who listen, believe, protect, and support.

💙 Every child deserves to say:
“I feel safe with my family.”

JellyBeanz HopeForChildren

27/05/2026

CHILD PROTECTION WEEK 💙

Every child deserves someone who makes them feel safe, seen, heard, and valued.

Sometimes that person is a parent.
Sometimes a teacher.
A sibling.
A friend.
A coach.
A Pet.
A therapist.
A grandparent.

One caring person can change the way a child experiences the world.

Children are more likely to speak up, ask for help, and heal when they know they have someone they can trust. A safe friendship — whether with another child or a trusted adult — can become a powerful form of protection.

✨ A friend notices when something feels “off.”
✨ A trusted adult listens without judgement.
✨ A caring person helps a child feel less alone.

This Child Protection Week, let us remember:

Protection starts with connection.
Listening matters.
Presence matters.
Kindness matters.

Be the friend a child remembers. 🤍

JellyBeanz ListenBelieveProtect

24/05/2026

🌸 HEALING HEARTS PROJECT LAUNCH

This week, Jelly Beanz officially launched the Healing Hearts project in Cape Town.

Healing Hearts is a trauma-informed, “therapy-in-a-book” resource developed to equip practitioners with practical tools and strategies to support children who have experienced sexual abuse and trauma on their healing journey.

The project was authored by Edith Kriel, with support from Marita Rademeyer and members of the Jelly Beanz team, and guided by leading experts in the child protection and mental health sector:
• Dr Joan van Niekerk
• Dr Shaheda Omar
• Dumisile Cele

The programme includes resources for children across different age groups, as well as guidance for caregivers and practitioners — creating a compassionate and practical approach to trauma recovery.

We are deeply grateful that the development of the Healing Hearts project was funded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), while the training programme was funded through the GBVF response initiative.

Thank you to every professional dedicated to protecting children, restoring hope, and creating safe spaces where healing can begin. 🌈✨

Together, we are empowering practitioners, healing children, and building hope.

HealingChildren PlayTherapy SocialWork ChildTrauma ProtectChildren TraumaHealing